Matt Austin News

What did our critic think of ASSASSINS at Brookfield Theatre?

If I had a nickel for every time that I’ve reviewed the same show, I’d have 2 nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but I’m surprised that it took so long in my reviewing history to happen. It shouldn’t be a surprise, however, that in both cases, they are to review Christmas productions. For the first time since 2021, I’ve been treated with attending TheatreWorks New Milford’s production of Matt Austin’s, What the Dickens. Can we officially call this a Christmas Classic?

 For the holiday season, TheatreWorks New Milford wil present the return of a local holiday favorite, ‘What The Dickens? A Christmas Carol For Any Scrooge', written and directed by local playwright and comedian Matt Austin.

It never gets old. A farce about someone pursuing a great achievement, only to have that achievement at risk due to a misunderstanding, before introducing a doppelganger that just heightens the absurdity (and hilarity) until somebody figures out what's going on and wraps everything up in a neat little bowl? It'll get me in a seat every time.

Marsha Mason, Jacqueline Hubbard, Semina De Laurentis among honorees at CT Theater Women Awards March 3 in Ridgefield. Songs and dramatic excerpts will round out the night.

Winners have been announced for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! The 2024 Regional Awards honor regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

TheatreWorks New Milford will present JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, running weekends in December. Directed by Francis A. Daley, the rock opera explores the last week of Jesus's life. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

TheatreWorks New Milford will present the rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar  from Dec 5th through 28th (weekends). This production is directed by Francis A. Daley of Danbury, musical director is Susan Lang of Woodbury, and choreographer is Sandra Hernandez of New Milford.

The Role in the Hay Players bring their improv comedy show WHOSE BARN IS IT ANYWAY? to Theater Barn, featuring spontaneous and hilarious performances based on audience suggestions. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Based on the 1985 movie, the script of 'Clue' is a fun romp rife with wordplay and sight gags. Need a break from streaming and bingeing and all the newfangled ways to get your entertainment fix? 

The play is by Sandy Rustin, Hunter Foster, and Eric Price, based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn. Under the wonderful direction of David Fritsch, the Ridgefield Theater Barn successfully put on yet another phenomenal production that combines comedy with murder mystery!

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

It's the final 3 weeks and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 11th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 20th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Brookfield Theatre concludes its 3x3 One-Man Show Festival with the award-winning Misterman by Enda Walsh. See photos from the production.

For this production, tables and chairs have been pushed to the perimeter, lining the parallel side walls that face each other. That leaves the middle of the room and the fore and aft walls for the performers to move about, and move they do, in constantly fluid motion, under the sure-handed and sure-footed direction of Matt Austin and Jessica Chesbro. The effect is engagingly kaleidoscopic in a way proscenium staging is not.

On Friday, June 2, I had the pleasure of seeing NEXT TO NORMAL presented in the absolute most phenomenal way possible!  The Ridgefield Theater Barn in Ridgefield, CT, has maximized the potential of this emotionally deep and powerful musical!  Directors Matt Austin and Jessica Chesbro combine their strong directing talents with their brilliant set design skills to create an immersive experience that draws the entire audience into the show!  This stellar cast of six first-rate performers brings their characters to life!  The stage presence of all six cast members and dynamics between them all yield authenticity that makes the audience feel the characters’ emotions, in this intimate setting.   The audience was truly moved by this story with book and lyrics written by Brian Yorkey, coupled with the music written by Tom Kitt, as performed by this amazing cast and live band, in this perfectly arranged venue for this show!